Today we’ll be taking a look at the MSC, the first Leclerc that was created to test and evaluate new systems, which will be coming to the game in the Leviathans major update.
MSC: An MBT (Medium Tank) for France at Rank VII
At a glance:
- 120 mm cannon!
- HEAT-FS and APFSDS
- Good mobility
- Light protection
Vehicle History
In the 1960s, France started to look into a new project to replace their AMX-30s as they were becoming outdated compared to NATO and Soviet tanks. In 1978, a project was agreed with Germany to design a brand-new MBT together, but it never came into fruition mainly due to different views on the core design.
In 1982 France continued work alone on an MBT through the Engin Principal de Combat (EPC, or “Main Combat Vehicle”) program, with the aim to design new systems for a domestically produced MBT in France. Several proposals for different turrets with and without an autoloader were made, but at the end of it, an autoloading turret was selected. In 1986 the project was renamed after French general Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque to “Leclerc”.
Following a series of testing different systems, a complete tank was rolled out at Satory in France in 1986. This tank was called the MSC (Mulet Système Complet, or “Testbed”) and was the result of many proposed components in one package to evaluate how they work together. It tested turret internals such as a stabilizer and autoloader, and also featured a new chassis optimized for mobility and a 120 mm gun, making it a huge upgrade over the AMX-30.
After three years of tests, the MSC ultimately paved the way for pre-series and production Leclerc tanks to come down the line. Production Leclerc tanks entered service with the French Army in 1992.
Introducing the MSC!
Meet the MSC, the first Leclerc to have been produced. This tank was fully built and acted as a testbed between 1986 and 1989 to test electronic equipment, a stabilizer and other important features that would be used in future Leclercs. It ultimately helped pave the way for the full-production Leclerc that we all know today, first produced in 1992. Today we’ll compare it to the Leclerc variants already in the game, so let’s dive in.
If you’ve already played the Leclerc tanks in War Thunder, you’ll know they are mainly characterized by excellent firepower. Compared to them, the MSC features a 120 mm cannon with the same two rounds on the AMX-40: a OCC 120 G1 HEAT-FS and an OFL 120 G1 APFSDS. This is all backed up by an autoloader, albeit with the downside of having 3 crew instead of 4. Other finishing touches to the FCS is a laser rangefinder and thermal sights for the gunner.
Interesting: “MSC” stands for “Mulet Système Complet” which in English means “Testbed”.
Right, so the firepower is that of the AMX-40, but what about the armor? The armor is simplified compared to the production Leclerc tanks in general. Those who are keen eyed would have also noticed that the smoke canisters are on the turret cheeks instead of the back of the turret, and there’s just six instead of 14. The autoloader features 24 pcs in the first-stage ammo stowage instead of the 22 found on the production Leclerc tanks, which may come in handy once in a while!
The MSC can reach a max speed over of 70 km/h thanks to its excellent engine with a thick exhaust pipe sticking out at the back, propelling the fumes to the side and above the tank, instead of just above like on the production Leclercs.
All-in-all the MSC is still a good tank compared to the production Leclercs, instead at a lower rank and Battle Rating, meaning it can fit into more suitable lineups. Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out other dev blogs coming your way!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
